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Lessons from an $11,000 stolen violin: instrument played during funerals of fallen soldiers(video)

The value of many things in our lives sometimes go unnoticed until they are taken from us. This implies the ole’ adage “You don’t know what you have until it’s gone.” This story from Springfield, Mo is no exception to the rule. In fact, this story seems to shove the knife further in as the pain sets in after a robbery of an $11,000 violin on Thursday the 19th.

Lifetime army sergeant says he has played over 400 military events with his violin, including funerals for fallen solders. Sgt. David McKay, and wife Evangeline, both serve in the military and consider it an honor to be able give the gift of music to soldiers and military families.

KY3 News out of Springfield reported that the McKays were staying at the DoubleTree Hotel in Springfield when they say crooks targeted their car for a smash-and-grab robbery. They said it happened sometime between 7:00 and 7:45 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19. The thieves stole McKay’s most-prized possession, the violin he had purchased in Germany, following service in Iraq.

“I still have a sick feeling in my stomach, to be honest,” he said.

This goes to show how leaving a valuable instrument for just a moment alone can turn into a tragic incident. We value the experiences and achievements given to us via the tools we use. But, sometimes we forget to cherish the tools that give us those results. Sergeant McKay wasn’t necessarily neglecting of his prized instrument, even though it may seem that way. The moral of the story is that you never can know when something like this can occur. People are unpredictable, and people that are desperate[like thieves]have escalating unpredictability. When owning valuable instruments we should always be on the defensive, using our instincts in order to preserve what we love and cherish.

“On Saturday, I had to perform at a service for a Marine who passed away at Ft. Leonard Wood. Of course, they had asked me to play the violin,” Sgt. McKay said.

The McKays had liability insurance for their vehicle, so that did not cover the violin. Their homeowner’s insurance offered $350 for the instrument. Anyone with information about the violin can call Springfield Police.